In an era marked by escalating climate crises, pandemics, and a surge in global populism, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zimbabwe has issued a clarion call for heightened international cooperation.

Rutendo Maraire

During the unveiling of the 2023-2024 Human Development Report, Edward Kallon, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, underscored the urgent need for nations to foster stronger collaborative ties to address shared challenges effectively.

The report critically examines the current state of global cooperation, suggesting that the international community has faltered in responding adequately to issues like climate change, health emergencies, and political instability. Kallon highlighted an increase in global polarization and conflict, suggesting that traditional measures of development are failing to capture the full spectrum of challenges facing the world today.

Achim Steiner, the UNDP Administrator, pointed out the unrealistic nature of deglobalization, emphasizing the high degree of economic interdependence among nations.

The report reveals that no region is self-sufficient, with all dependent on imports for at least one major category of goods or services. Steiner advocated for a "whole-of-society approach," which he believes is particularly applicable to Zimbabwe, where the engagement of the private sector, civil society, and media is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNDP's commitment to assisting Zimbabwe in reaching these goals is evident in their support for initiatives aimed at food security, health, energy access, and resilience building. Notably, the partnership with the Zimbabwean government has enabled the provision of climate-smart agricultural solutions to over 40,000 farmers in the southern region, enhancing food production and climate resilience.

Echoing the UNDP's call for cooperation, Lui Chitima, Acting Director of Multilateral Affairs, represented Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Frederick Shava, expressing the nation's dedication to international engagement on development issues. Chitima emphasized the necessity of global collaboration to overcome the world's most pressing problems, despite differences in perspectives.

The report calls for action in four critical areas: the establishment of planetary public goods, the development of digital global public goods, the creation of new and expanded financial mechanisms, and efforts to reduce political polarization.

These recommendations aim to redefine global interdependence and introduce a new era of global public goods, marking a pivotal moment in the quest for sustainable and inclusive global development.